Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of developing essential skills that are necessary for school, work and life. The five core skills include:

• Self-Awareness.
• Self-Management.
• Social Awareness.
• Relationship Skills
• Responsible Decision-Making.

Individuals with strong social-emotional skills are more successful academically, professionally, and socially.

Mental health is defined by the CDC as emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Developing social and emotional skills helps to promote mental health. However, it is important to understand what is meant by mental wellness, poor mental health and mental illness, to be able to develop ways to nurture overall mental health and to be able to identify ways to get support for mental health needs.